The Doctors Birkenhead

Welcome to our practice

We specialise in general practice services focused on supporting you with maintaining your wellness.  Our doctors provide a range of family health services focusing on the whole family. Our practice nurses provide valuable support in maintaining health with women's health services, immunisations, flu vaccinations, cardio-vascular checks and diabetes annual reviews.

COVID-19 Notice: In Alert Level 1 our consults are in person and through phone or video. Phone 09 419 2180 to book an appointment or if you have questions. To ensure everyone gets the help they need, and stays safe, we'll be screening all appointment requests which may involve calling you back with more details.

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We’re providing our service in a new way to ensure you and your whanau remain safe through COVID-19. When you phone or visit the clinic we'll ask if you have any cough, cold, or flu-like symptoms or if you're concerned about COVID-19. This doesn't mean we think you have coronavirus, it's our part in helping keep our community safe and healthy. 

We do COVID-19 testing and our practice is safe to visit

Safety is our priority. We do COVID-19 testing in your car where possible or in an isolation room if an assessment is required. This means there's no additional risk to you when you visit for other medical issues. We have strict infection prevention standards in place.

Nearby The Doctors designated COVID-19 testing stations

The Doctors Red Beach, The Doctors Waimauku, The Doctors New Lynn, The Doctors Onehunga, The Doctors Ti Rakau, The Doctors Middlemore

Choice of appointments and how to book them

 
In Person
 
Video
 
Phone

Enrol With Us

Our enrolment capacity is currently limited, please phone or email reception to discuss availability

When you enrol with us, some of the benefits include:

  • Reminders and recalls for important health management
  • Pay less to see the doctor than non-enrolled patients
  • Access to our online patient portal to book appointment, order repeat prescriptions and to view lab test results
  • There is more information here about why it’s great to be enrolled

Not enrolled but need an appointment? 

You can still get an appointment here even if you are not enrolled with us e.g. if you’re a visitor to the region. Just phone our friendly team for a casual appointment. Extra charges apply for casual appointments when you are not enrolled.

Other nearby practices in our network that you can enrol with

We'd love to have you as one of our patients, but if you're unable to wait until our enrolments are open again we can suggest these nearby practices in our network that you can enrol with now:

How to enrol online with these alternative practices

You can enrol online at The Doctors Fred Thomas and Hauraki Corner - it’s secure and confidential. The online form will guide you and you will need to upload suitable identification:  Enrol Here Online

Online Patient Portal

Are you registered for the online portal?

When you’re enrolled with us you can register for this portal, called ConnectMed. Then, any time you like 24/7 you can:

  • book appointments
  • request repeat scripts
  • view lab test results

Phone reception 09 419 2180 to start your registration

Our Services

Our Services

  • General Health and Wellness
  • Minor Surgery
  • Immunisations
  • Womens Health
  • Chronic Disease Management

Family Medicine

 

Flu Vaccination

We are doing flu vaccinations through winter, call us to get yours.

For more info on these click here

Women's Health

Health Checks

Contraceptive advice

Our doctors and nurses are able to discuss and cater for most of your contraceptive needs:

  • Oral contraceptives
  • Depo Provera injections
  • IUCD (intra uterine contraceptive device) - this includes Copper, Mirena and Jaydess
  • Emergency contraception

Family Planning

Your GP can advise you on all aspects of family planning.

Cervical Screening aged 20-69yrs

You have the choice for a nurse or GP to do this for you at a time that suits you. This can include sexual health screening.

Breast Screening from age 40yrs - funded mammograms age 45-69yrs

Best practice recommends you get your breasts checked with your GP prior to your mammogram.

Early pregnancy

Consult your GP for early pregnancy care under 12 weeks gestation. Also see our services through Circle Maternity.

Menopause

Discuss with your GP how to manage your menopause.

Men's Health

Youth Health

  • Healthy lifestyle choices'
  • Exam stress
  • Vaccinations

Dont Assume You're Immune. If your teen is about to leave school, now is a good time to check they are up to date with their immunisations before they move onto work, further education or travel. Visit the website getimmunised.org.nz for more information.

HPV vaccination:

From the 1st of January 2017, HPV (Human Papillomavirus Vaccine) immunisation will be funded for everyone aged 9 – 26 (inclusive) including boys and young men. The HPV vaccination is a course of 3 injections and is free if the 1st injection is prior to the 27th birthday. The HPV vaccine will be offered to boys and girls as part of the school based programme in Year 8 around the age of 12. HPV immunisation will be available and free through general practices from 9 years of age through to age 26. 

The Doctors at Fred Thomas health are committed to this program and will be contacting eligible patients over the next 12months. HPV viruses are common and cause skin and mucous membrane infection. 4 out of 5 people are infected with HPV during their lifetime usually within the first 2 years of commencing sexual activity. HPV viruses can lead to diseases such as genital warts and HPV related cancers such as cervical, vulval and vaginal cancer, penile cancer and cancers of the tongue and oropharynx.

If you would like further information or would like to start the course of vaccinations please contact the Nurses on 09-972 9020.

Long Term Condition Care and Support

  • Diabetics management and checks
  • Insulin starts
  • All respiratory conditions and COPD
  • All heart failure care
  • Care Plus - a lifestyle plan that includes 4 regular follow-ups

Medicals

  • Driver’s licence medicals
  • Insurance medicals
  • Pre-employment medicals

Minor Surgery

Many conditions do not need to be referred to a specialist or hospital. The Doctors Fred Thomas GPs offer fast and competent removal and biopsies of skin lesions, lumps and bumps. Other services include removal of benign moles and skin tags and ingrown toenail surgery. If your insurance company is Southern Cross then we use the "Easy-Claim" process and the insurance company is directly billed.

Respiratory Health

  • Asthma and COPD care
  • Spirometry

Sexual Health and STIs

Confidential consultations

Travel Health - Vaccines and Documents

The Doctors Fred Thomas has staff trained in all aspects of travel health services. Contact us 4-6 weeks before setting off, click here for our Travel Health Questionnaire.

What do our Travel Health Services include?

  • Specific travel advice tailored to the travellers needs to plan for a healthy and safe trip
  • General travel advice on such issues as deep vein thrombosis, jet lag, traveller’s diarrhoea, altitude sickness
  • Advice on accident and injury prevention
  • Advice on women’s health issues such as pregnancy and flying and HIV considerations
  • Advice on specific diseases and illnesses relating to the traveller’s destination, including malaria, rabies, hepatitis and more
  • Pre-travel vaccinations - get the right vaccines, medications and advice for the right countries
  • Manage complicated medical issues, families, school groups or business travel
  • Post-travel health needs or illnesses
  • Travel consultations are a non-funded service for both adults and children

Please contact our medical centre directly for Travel Health services pricing.

Ear Suctioning - at Hauraki Corner

Modern ear wax removal is easier than the ear syringing of old, it is safer and considered more comfortable.

Three days before ear suction you will need to apply either waxsol or olive oil - or Na HCO3 ear drops (available on prescription) to both ears three times a day to soften wax.

The cost is $65.00. Please contact us on 09 972 9020 or info@fthealth.co.nz to book an appointment.


FAQs


1. What is ear wax removal by microsuction?

Ear wax removal by microsuction involves an Ear Nurse using a light and microscope to view inside the ear canal. Upon viewing, a thin suction tube is used to vacuum up ear wax or debris. Other instruments may be also be used to expertly pluck wax or debris from your ear.


2. What will happen during my appointment?

The aim of wax removal by microsuction is to safely and gently clear the ear canal of ear wax (cerumen) and other debris.
Your appointment will take approximately 15-30 minutes. Your Ear Nurse will explain the procedure. Please ask questions if you have any.
You asked to recline or lie flat and to remain very still. The nurse will look into your ear canal using a microscope. 
The nurse will direct vision and light using a small cone placed in your ear.
A small metal tube attached to a suction unit will be carefully placed in your ear canal.
The suction will make a windy noise.
Wax and debris will be gently and carefully removed.
Your nurse might use forceps, probes and other equipment if necessary.


3. What is the experience like?

People describe the experience as tickling with windy, squeaky, popping sounds. If your ear canal is sensitive or inflamed due to infection , it may at times be a little uncomfortable. You may feel dizzy momentarily if cold air comes into contact with your eardrum during suction. A light touch of your ear canal during the procedure might cause you to feel like coughing.
If you feel uncomfortable at any time during the microsuction procedure, please let the nurse know so he or she can ensure everything is okay.


4. How often should you have it done?

Every individual produces varying amounts and types of ear wax. Therefore the Ear Nurse will ask you some questions, and advise how often you should have your ear wax removed.

Hours

Standard Hours

Monday to Friday:  8am - 6pm
Closed weekends and all public holidays

If you have a medical emergency, call 111

 

Patient Fees

Enrolled Patient Fees

Age Fees
0  - 13 years FREE
14 - 17 years $28
18 - 24 years $58
25 - 44 years $58
45 - 64 years $58
65+ years $55


New Patient visit - $85

Casual Patients - $100
Non Residents - $125

All pricing effective from 20 August 2020

Pay Online

Good news, paying online is easy. 

You can pay securely using a credit or debit card or internet banking (Account2Account payments) - just click below to make a payment.  Payment is due on the day of your appointment. In addition to paying online you can pay in person at the centre with cash, eftpos and credit card.

Make a Payment

Our Team

  • Dr Malcolm Lyons

    Dr Malcolm Lyons

    Malcom joined The Doctors Birkenhead in 2018. He is an experienced GP, particularly in injury management and minor surgery. He also works at The Doctors Fred Thomas & Hauraki Corner from time to time.

    Malcolm has a specialist interest and qualification in Herbal Medicine, and enjoys collaborating with his patients regarding nutritional approaches to their health. In particular he has an interest in metabolic medicine in relationship to chronic disease and eating styles. He has recently developed an interest in management of intractable thyroid dysfunction and some chronic diseases by looking at the gut microbiome.

    Malcolm is accepting new patients.

  • Joan - Registered Nurse

    Joan - Registered Nurse

    Joan joined us at the end of 2019, and works at both Birkenhead and Fred Thomas.

    She has recently completed her immunisation certification and can also help with a range of services including dressings, liquid nitrogen, ECG checks and general health advice.

  • Glenis - Nurse Team Lead

    Glenis - Nurse Team Lead

    Glenis started with us in 2017. She splits her time between all the regular nursing duties including immunisations, dressings, diabetes and asthma management, spirometry, liquid nitrogen, and general health advice, and overseeing the nursing team.

    Glenis also completes cervical smears for women not needing to see the doctor.

  • Dr Keshan Xie

    Dr Keshan Xie

    Keshan joined The Doctors Birkenhead in 2016 and has passed her GP fellowship exams with just her final in-clinic assessment to do in 2020.

    Keshan is accepting new patients. 

  • Dr Elizabeth Chesterfield

    Dr Elizabeth Chesterfield

    I am a vocationally registered General Practitioner. I trained at Auckland University and chose to go into general practice as I really enjoy forming long term relationships with my patients and providing healthcare in a wider context. My work encompasses all areas of general practice, including minor surgery, IUCD/Mirena insertion. Paediatrics is a favourite area. I have three young adult children, two of them are still living at home. Outside of work I enjoy bushwalking, gardening and handicrafts.

Mandeeps Manage  

Latest News

August Newsletter

Click here for our latest newsletter and what is going on in our practice to meet your needs.

Your Feedback

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  • We welcome your feedback and always strive to provide the best care and advice.  Let us know how we did. If things didn't go the way you wanted there may be something we can do to help put it right.

    1.  Online Form Direct to Your Medical Centre

    2.  Or Email Our Clinical Advisory Team

    • If you don’t feel comfortable talking with anyone in your medical centre directly, you can complete the feedback form below and one of our National Clinical Advisory Team will follow up with you.

  • 3.  Or for more information and other ways to give feedback, you can also contact:

General Enquiry

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